Kenneth Marion Cross

Kenneth Marion Cross, 74, passed away suddenly on April 15th, 2016, in Clackamas, Oregon. Those who knew and loved him are shocked by this sudden loss and relieved to know he has returned home to his Lord.

Kenneth was born on September 17th, 1941, in Yuba City, California, to his parents: Charles Marion and Lois Esther (Binkley) Cross. He attended Bridge Street Grammar School, and he graduated from Yuba City High School. He was very proud of the fact that he was an exchange student to Finland. Kenneth attended Sacramento State College, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree.

He was a beloved father and had three beautiful children, Christopher, Courtney and Ashleigh. He moved from Central California to Oregon in 1981 to raise his family and work for the City of Portland.

On February 13, 1993, Kenneth married his partner/beloved, Sharron Noone. They were married until his passing.

Kenneth worked in Human Resources for Governmental Agencies, and finished his career in Senior Care Marketing and Administration. He was a founding member of the Metropolitan Senior Network, a professional group of Senior Care Administrators and Marketing Managers.

Kenneth loved spending time with his family, and was affectionately known as “Papa Beach” by his grandchildren. He attended Rivercrest Church in Portland for many years and was active on the Missions Committee. He volunteered joyfully at Adventist Medical center as often as his physical condition would allow. He was deeply loved by those he knew and will be greatly missed.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, and by his three sisters, Donna Darlene Diederichs, Marjorie Marlene Cross Wisner and Karyl Kay Hanes. He is survived by his partner and wife of 30 years, Sharron; his children and their spouses, Christopher (Jenna) Cross, Courtney (John) Ross, and Ashleigh (Tom) Morgan; his grandchildren, Jack and Macintosh Morgan, and Frankie and Greta "Ken"zie Ross; his niece and her husband, Jan and Keith; his beloved dog Louie, and former dogs Lulu, Boggie, Marquesa, and Mooshie; his longtime friends, Patricia Slater and her family, Goddaughters Ashley and Emma Pinion, and special friends and therapists Scott Michaels and Leticia Grau.

A Memorial Service in Kenneth’s Honor will be held on Saturday, April 23rd, 2016, at 10:00 am at Rivercrest Church.